Headlines

This week’s episode focuses on how two food companies are evolving to meet the needs of modern consumers. In our first interview, we spoke with Alden Blease and Emma Frelinghuysen, the founder and CEO, respectively, of R.E.D.D. Bar, who discussed the reasons for and execution of a rebrand and reformulation. Later, we sat down with Arnold Coombs of top-selling organic maple syrup brand Coombs Family Farms, who discussed how the company has built consumer loyalty through education about the product’s health benefits along with the development of an innovative package.

Betting on the ubiquitous affinity for chocolate, companies are now trying to create high-quality, tasty sweets that incorporate functional benefits — steering both into the supplement and snack aisles for merchandising — and looking at a variety of functions and ingredients: everything from vitamins that taste like conventional candy to prebiotic European chocolate bars.

Halal frozen meal, sauce and snack brand Saffron Road is mapping another category entry, launching shelf-stable meals this month. The new microwavable pouches come in two Indian-inspired flavors: Chickpea Masala and Delhi Potatoes.

Jake Kneller is the co-founder of Sweet Nothings, a startup company offering a lineup of frozen snacks designed to be enjoyed anytime of the day. The products are crafted to be eaten like an ice cream without dairy or added sugar, and instead highlight healthy and clean ingredients such as blueberries and beets.

To-date, the plant-based meat world has been largely dominated by sausage, burger and ground beef alternatives — Alpha Foods, however, sees a future in faux fowl. Investors are supporting this outlook, with the brand announcing today the close of a $28 million round of investment.

Sam Dennigan, founder of innovative plant-based brand Strong Roots, spoke about the company’s focus on making sustainable food that appeals to the next generation of health-conscious consumers, how thoughtfully planned demos can be the best path to trial, why Strong Roots is positioned as a “Consumer Packaged Good” and its “top down/bottom up” strategy for becoming a global brand.

Michigan-based food and beverage consulting group JPG Resources is growing its capabilities — and eyeing New York City’s entrepreneurial scene to help do that. After opening a new office last month, the company has an array of new offerings slated to launch this spring — fueled by seasoned food industry experts joining the team.

Kellogg and Tyson prep for plant-based launches; Yofix raises $2.5 million and more in this week’s Checkout.

Nona Lim spoke about the development of her namesake food brand and the importance of saying “no” to “top-line growth that isn’t in line with our profitability requirements.” She also discussed the ways in which she funded her upstart brand prior to accepting venture capital, how she negotiates favorable terms with suppliers and why she describes venture capital as a “double-edged sword.”

At the Winter Fancy Food Show, Aylon Steinhart, co-founder of plant-based dairy brand Eclipse, discussed the company’s path to market, having launched its soft serve ice cream bases and packed ice cream drums into San Francisco and New York restaurants and scoop shops in 2019.